Western Region Travel Guide

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Western Region boasts a long-standing tradition of Bourbon production, with deep roots and a unique blend of rustic charm, scenic beauty, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a Bourbon expert or a curious newcomer, here’s what the region has to offer—from up-and-coming distilleries to breathtaking landscapes.

The story behind the spirit

Bourbon’s roots run deep in the Western Region, where early settlers discovered that the limestone-filtered waters created the perfect conditions for crafting fine Bourbon. Over the years, the region became home to several historic and respected distilleries, and the tradition has flourished ever since. The rolling hills, scenic lakes, and woodlands only add to the region’s allure.

The region’s distilleries are scattered across a picturesque route, which makes for an ideal road trip. The area extends as far west as Hopkinsville, north to Owensboro, and east to Burkesville.

Whether you’re in the heart of Owensboro, the “Bluegrass Capital of the World”, or enjoying Franklin and its quaint atmosphere, each stop along the way brings something special to the table.

Bourbon hubs and hidden gems

The Western Region is home to a mix of legendary names and rising stars in the Bourbon world, each with its own story to tell. Green River Distilling Co. has been producing exceptional Kentucky Bourbon and rye since 1885. Surviving fire, Prohibition, and a period of decline, it has emerged stronger than ever. Visitors can enjoy distillery tours and tastings as well as unique experiences like “barrel thieving,” where they sample Bourbon directly from the barrel.

If you’re a fan of small-batch Bourbon, B.H. James Distillers is the place to be. Located in Adairville’s former fire station, the distillery focuses on a farm-to-glass approach; they use locally grown corn, rye, and barley to craft their Bourbon and Corn Whiskeys. The distillery and its award-winning blends are named in honor of a great-grandfather who played professional baseball in the early 1900s.

At Casey Jones Distillery in Hopkinsville, you don’t just sip—you step into the soul of small-batch distilling. Founded in 2014 with a focus on authenticity and tradition, they offer daily tours and tastings of their 20 award-winning craft Bourbons, barrel cuts, and shines. Set on 100 picturesque rural acres and a lake, this hands-on craft experience lets you explore the stills, smell the mash, and make a real connection with Kentucky Bourbon.

Dueling Grounds Distillery is a small craft Bourbon distillery in Franklin, making it a perfect first stop for travelers heading north on I-65 into Kentucky. Along with their exceptional spirits, Dueling Grounds boasts a pizza kitchen, serving up delicious pies that perfectly complement your Bourbon tasting—an ideal spot to relax and indulge.

MB Roland Distillery, founded in 2009 by a husband-and-wife team, is nestled amidst the rolling farmland of Pembroke. The distillery sources its grains directly from Kentucky farmers and focuses on pot-distilled, pre-Prohibition style Bourbon and whiskey. You can sample several naturally flavored moonshines and liqueurs and even bottle your own Bourbon to take home as a personal memento of your adventure.

Southern Kentucky Distillery is nestled between the Cumberland River, Lake Cumberland, and Dale Hollow Lakes, a scenic and serene location perfect for sipping on expertly crafted spirits. Currently producing 25 barrels of Bourbon per day and known for its attention to detail, SKD combines craftsmanship with modern innovation, offering scheduled tours and tastings at its state-of-the-art facility.

The Bard Distillery may be young, but its roots run deep. Housed in a beautifully restored 1920s schoolhouse in the historic coal-mining town of Graham, the distillery offers a true “lesson” in craftsmanship. Founded in 2019, it has quickly earned recognition with its award-winning spirits. The founders’ unique background in NASCAR—one was a driver and the other an engineer—adds an exciting twist to this distillery’s story.

Natural wonders everywhere you look

While Bourbon is the star, the Western Region offers so much more, especially for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re casting a line at Green River Lake, cruising along the waters of Lake Barkley, or simply kicking back by the shore, there’s a perfect mix of outdoor fun. Enjoy the thrill of spotting animals in their natural habitat in John James Audubon State Park and Land Between the Lakes. The wildlife here is abundant, so keep your eyes peeled for everything from deer to bald eagles.

Beneath the rolling hills of the Western Region lies a hidden world waiting to be explored. Mammoth Cave National Park, the world’s longest cave system, allows you to explore miles of intricate passageways, ancient formations, and eerie caverns. For a different kind of underground adventure, take a boat tour through Lost River Cave’s mysterious waters.

Flavors that go the distance

Savoring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience responsibly starts with a delicious meal. The Western Region is famous for its pit-style barbecue, where pork shoulder is slow-cooked over hickory coals and finished with a signature vinegar-based sauce that packs a tangy punch. Local favorites like burgoo (a rich, slow-simmered stew of smoked meats, okra, lima beans, and tomatoes) and salt-cured, dry-aged country ham bring even more tradition to the table.

Navigate the Western Region like a pro

Before setting off on your Bourbon adventure, keep in mind that the distilleries in the Western Region are spread out. Planning ahead and booking transportation ensures you can sip, savor, and enjoy every moment without the worry of driving. Most importantly, drink responsibly and take it all in—whether you’re swapping stories with a master distiller or soaking up the region’s scenic beauty, this is a journey to be cherished. So, pack your bags, raise your glass, and head west, Bourbon lover—your next great pour awaits. Head to our Western Region page and start planning your ultimate adventure.